In November 2003, we assembled a "new" Campy Only Retro Bike, this time a very retro-looking Benotto that we have equipped with a mix of Super Record and Nuovo Record parts.  (Special thanks to Campy Only sponsor Recycled Cycles for finding us the NOS Nuovo Record seatpost!)

After riding the Benotto for about a year-and-a-half, we decided to have Campy Only sponsor Joe Bell refinish it--photos of the finished product are shown below. Compare JB's work with the factory finish to see what a difference a fine paint job can make ... 

JB Finish (April 2005)
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Side view. Color is Dupont Imron "rad red"		 dscn3508.jpg (200172 bytes) dscn3509.jpg (83074 bytes)
Compare this shot with the seatstay photo below--contrasting paint makes the details stand out		 dscn3510.jpg (87209 bytes)
Contrasting paint and a "scallop" transition from paint to chrome		 dscn3511.jpg (110543 bytes)
JB's signature and a retro Campagnolo decal
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Decal set was NOS from the 1980s, and features the world champion colors		 img_0081.jpg (186976 bytes)
Another front shot		 img_0083.jpg (150862 bytes)
The rear triangle
Factory Finish (Nov. 2003)
Dscn2522_800.jpg (215024 bytes)
 Side view.
Frame features Columbus tubing (diamond-shaped chainstays) and a Cinelli bottom bracket		 Dscn2525_800.jpg (96029 bytes)
 NOS Nuovo Record seatpost and Campy seatpost binder bolt
Dscn2529_800.jpg (85426 bytes)		 Dscn2530_800.jpg (163197 bytes)
 View of the cockpit shows Cinelli 1A stem and Campione del Mondo bars		 Dscn2524_800.jpg (184882 bytes)
 Front views
Dscn2526_800.jpg (185230 bytes)		 Dscn2527_800.jpg (197898 bytes)
 Drivetrain features Super Record crankset with non-fluted arms.

Retro equipment:

  • Benotto frame/fork (Columbus tubing, Cinelli bottom bracket, chrome plating)

  • Derailleurs:  Nuovo Record front, Super Record rear

  • Brakes:  Record calipers, Super Record levers (repro gum hoods from Branford Bike; they also sell replacement brake pads)

  • Crankset: Super Record non-fluted

  • Bottom bracket: Nuovo Record, Italian threaded

  • Bar/Stem: Cinelli Campione del Mondo/1A

  • Seatpost: Nuovo Record (installed brand new--thanks to Recycled Cycles)

  • Seat: Brooks Team Professional (buy it for $104.88 at Branford Bike)

  • Hubs: Record high flange

We've put a lot of miles on this bike, and it's definitely fun to ride.  The Benotto frame features classic Italian geometry that provides a very stable, yet maneuverable ride.  This bike helps point out the extremely high level of workmanship in our Richard Sachs frame, but it also shows the value of good old fashioned lugged steel construction--as the saying goes, "steel is real!" 

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